Without a service # almost impossible. Have had many, many named WWI and WWII assorted holsters. By chance one finds one at a yard sale that the family knew is about the only way to get information.

 

I have often wondered about this M3 Victory revolver holster that I have (USN Boyt 43), but so far nothing but speculation on my part. I think that USARV72 is correct. Always hoped it was this guy, but really there is no way to tell for sure without more information. Ronald Somerville

 

There were thousands of M3 holsters made by almost as many manufacturers during the war. Without knowing who the owner was and where he served, it's anybody's wild guess where it went. I've also got an Enger-Kress, made in 1944.

 

Old Fart that is a beautiful holster! What great condition it is in… very nice!

OP, welcome to the forum. M3 holsters were issued to the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, mostly for use by tankers and aircrew. They were popular among paratroopers and infantry too.
The M3 was issued to several branches of the U.S. military… for the Army it was used by infantry and tank crews. It was adopted by aircrew members for its convenience in seated positions.
In the Marine Corps it was used by Marines in combat situations.

.45 M1911 Shoulder Holster M3

www.sarcoinc.com

M3 Shoulder Holster

The source for authentic, quality reproduction WW2 uniforms and field gear, since 1992.

www.atthefront.com

1791® Gunleather M3 Tanker Holster™

Springfield Armory WebStore

store.springfield-armory.com

Amazon.com : 1791 Gunleather M3 Tanker Holster M1911, US WWII Shoulder Holster Compatible with Most Colt Spec Government Length 1911, M45A1, Browning Hi-Power & Springfield SA-35 : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : 1791 Gunleather M3 Tanker Holster M1911, US WWII Shoulder Holster Compatible with Most Colt Spec Government Length 1911, M45A1, Browning Hi-Power & Springfield SA-35 : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

 

There are websites that one can look up US service members in WWII but with only a name it’s a wild shot.

 

A lot of the ones that have survived to this day were never even issued.

 

 

I would go with a quality M3 replica holster from At The Front. The guy is very anal about historical accuracy when it comes to the products he sells.

M3 Shoulder Holster

 

The pictures don’t look like the holster was in a tank so I’m thinking a pilot owned it. Notice the wear mark on the sholder strap. Was thinking that a chute buckle rubbing on it may have caused it. Interested in your thoughts.

 

Pictures

 

By far, the best M3 replica is by El Paso Saddlery.
Their military holsters are every bit the equal of US issue.

 

These are what my wife and I have been using for our woods guns for years. And I can concur with this. They make them for revolvers as well.

 

I have a pair of repro M3 holsters; one for my 1911 and another for my Victory Revolver, typically worn by US Navy aviators. Good quality, natural tan color. Might hit them with a bit of Neetsfoot Oil to darken them just enough.